Alternator problems...

[fo' runnin']

So I think my alternator may have died. A couple days ago I washed my engine because it was filthy from the K-Trail. I didn't use a pressure washer, just a garden hose, a rag, and a couple cans of degreaser. I never directly sprayed the alternator. I haven't driven the truck since, but I drove it to work this morning and I've got the battery light on, the E-brake light on, and the A/T Oil Temp light on... Also, strangely, my radio is still working, but it's not lighting up... It started up just fine this morning, but after 20 miles I stopped at the store to get breakfast and when I clicked my blinker on the radio turned off and that's when I noticed my dash lights being much more dim than normal. When I came back out from the store it was very slow starting... Sounds like the alternator died and the battery is losing its charge... right?! But why would my alternator have died from a simple wash?! That's the part I can't figure out... Any ideas?

 

[KidVermicious]

Really common to see that combo of lights, and it's probably the belt. Your water pump and alternator are on the same belt, so when you see the battery light and the AT temp light, you can guess that the belt is slipping.

 

[fo' runnin']

Really common to see that combo of lights, and it's probably the belt. Your water pump and alternator are on the same belt, so when you see the battery light and the AT temp light, you can guess that the belt is slipping.

Hmmm.... I'll check it, but I kinda doubt it, the belt is only a month old. That would be much cheaper and easier than a new alternator! lol

 

[KidVermicious]

Could be you washed some gunk between the pulleys and belt, or your tension is off? Easy to check anyway.

 

[fo' runnin']

Could be you washed some gunk between the pulleys and belt, or your tension is off? Easy to check anyway.

Definitely worth a shot... if that doesn't fix it then I guess it's time for a new alternator! out:

 

[fo' runnin']

Definitely not the belt. Got the alt pulled over lunch, just waiting on a ride to take it to Autozone to be tested... As much as I love wrenching, it gets old sometimes! lol

 

[fo' runnin']

Had it tested, it failed miserably... Why would washing my engine kill the alternator?!?!

 

[KidVermicious]

You probably said mean things about your truck when you didn't know it was listening, and now it's payback time.

 

[fo' runnin']

You probably said mean things about your truck when you didn't know it was listening, and now it's payback time.

You're probably right... :/ I recently officially named it "the ole' pig" so maybe it's upset about that... lol

 

[fourwd1]

Really common to see that combo of lights, and it's probably the belt. Your water pump and alternator are on the same belt, so when you see the battery light and the AT temp light, you can guess that the belt is slipping.

Those 3 lights come on when the alt is bad because that's the way Toyota designed it. They really want you to know there's a problem with the alternator.

 

[KidVermicious]

Those 3 lights come on when the alt is bad because that's the way Toyota designed it. They really want you to know there's a problem with the alternator.

See, and I know that's the common wisdom, but the one time I had all three lights come on it was the belt. When the alternator itself died a year later, all I got was the brake and battery light, so I don't know. Maybe the AT temp light was burned out.

 

[fo' runnin']

See, and I know that's the common wisdom, but the one time I had all three lights come on it was the belt. When the alternator itself died a year later, all I got was the brake and battery light, so I don't know. Maybe the AT temp light was burned out.

Just tossed a new alternator on and she is as good as ever! I'd still love to know what fried my old one...

 

[wshiverick]

Did you try changing the brushes? Its a lot cheaper than a new alt.

 

[fo' runnin']

Did you try changing the brushes? Its a lot cheaper than a new alt.

Nah, I was stuck at work, barely made it here this morning, so it was a parking lot fix! At least I know this one will be solid for a long time!